The more you know about stroke, the better your chances of surviving one. The stroke team at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville is a trained, multidisciplinary team equipped with technology that can help minimize the damaging effects of stroke.

A stroke, also know as a “brain attack”, occurs when blood vessels to the brain become clogged or burst. This “brain attack” keeps part of the brain from getting the oxygen it needs in the same way that a heart attack prevents blood from flowing to the heart,. Without oxygen, nerve cells in the brain will die within minutes. Depending on the part of the brain affected, an untreated stroke may cause permanent disability or death. Sometimes, a major stroke can be preceded by a series of “ministrokes” that can occur days, weeks or even months before a major brain attack. They result when a blood clot or other particle temporarily clogs an artery. They do not cause major injury but can be warning signs of a major stroke.

Get to the Hospital Immediately

If you get to the hospital immediately, it may be possible to lessen the effects of a stroke. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death for Americans and a leading cause of adult disability. Receiving TPA within three hours the first symptom of a stroke may reduce the chance of long term disability. Every minute is critical. A stroke should be treated with the same urgency as a heart attack.

The Warning Signs of a Stroke

Call 911 if you experience:

• Sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Decrease in your level of consciousness
• Disorientation
• Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements
• Dizziness or convulsions
• Sudden loss of vision or sudden blurred vision

How to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke

You can reduce your risk of stroke with some lifestyle changes. These include:

• Control your blood pressure: This is the number one preventable risk factor. Readings greater than 140/90 signal a need for a lifestyle change and/or medication.
   
• If you have heart disease, manage it: An irregular heartbeat is a significant risk factor. It is important to find out if you have heart disease and, if so, work with your doctor to help manage it.
   
• Don’t smoke
   
• Control your weight: Increasing physical activity and eating a balanced diet helps reduce the risk of stroke. If you have diabetes, work with your physician and diabetes educator to manage it.